THE SPEED OF THOUGHT

It's amazing how much the mind can wander when it does not really have anything particularly planned to think about.

When I look back at how my mind wandered about this morning I realize that there were a lot of thoughts that crossed my mind that were in no way interconnected with one another!

While at breakfast I thought about how lazy our maids were at not telling me we were about to run out of coffee creamer when I had given them prior instructions to alert me whenever this happens. I even had an argument running thru my mind like:

MAID: Sorry kuya hindi namin napansin na wala ng creamer eh.
ME: Ano'ng hindi napansin eh gumagamit din kayo ng creamer!

All of a sudden my mind switched to the thought of seeing the morning sunrise creeping in and how beautiful this sight was. But when Jaja sat at the breakfast table my mind shifted to the thought of reminding her I hadn't had my dose of sex for the week yet!

On the way to the toilet to do my morning "dumping" ritual my mind went from reminding myself to give money to the driver for gas, to a realization that I could improve the video script on Integrity by adding some specific references to cash handling, product handling and stocks/inventory management. All of these in the space of several seconds.

While driving to work, there were some thoughts that crossed my mind but since I was intent on listening to the radio and singing along I realized my mind had kept focused on me singing the right lyrics. No wonder I'm so alert while driving!

MAKING THE BEST OF A BAD SITUATION

The Service Quality Program didn't turn out as I expected it. There was a basic program design flaw and the trainers didn't do a dry-run so all the possible surprises turned up. Classic was when we were supposed to video the role play and Brian our designated videographer ran out of CD space!

"I should've insisted on seeing the design...I should've insisted on a dry-run..." I was telling myself a lot of "should'ves" but that wasn't helping any. So this was a case of just getting the show over and done with and re-doing the whole script so to speak so tomorrow's show would be better.

Moral Lesson: I'll trust my instincts more next time and go with experience.

A PRAYER A DAY TO MAKE THE WORLD BETTER

Lately,my thoughts have been turning towards making the world a little bit better each day in my own little way. I like that line in the movie (I forgot the title) which starred Kevin Spacey in which he said of his wife: "She wanted to leave the world a little bit better than when she came in." (or something like that) I'd like that to be said of me.

So whether it is through making someone smile or laugh, or making someone's day better through a shared thought...I know I'm making a difference somehow.

And I realize that even if only one of the prayers I'm sending to God each morning for the people I'm praying for gets answered...then that's going to make a big difference somehow in the end.

A PRODUCTIVE WEEKEND

In line with my "improve -myself-a-day" project I worked on some projects over the weekend,taking advantage of the extra day holiday yesterday.

For one, the Theotokos ikon I set aside for the past month is now taking shape. I finished coloring up to the Virgin Mary's robe and from TJ's comment ("Dad! You rock!")I must say it's looking real good. Funny but while I was doing this pastel painting which I intend to hang along our stairwell, I found myself humming the Latin "Credo," and "Salve Regina."

I was able to download and print the plans for the automata paper models and hope to start assembling them this week.

I learned a new song: "The Greatest Story Ever Told," by Oliver James,which I can now add to my repertoire of "pang-bagets" songs.

IF HE'D ONLY SAY "I'M SORRY" ( A REFLECTION ON MAN'S FOLLY & GOD'S GREATNESS)

Two of my neighbors have gone to court because of an argument over parking space!

One of the parties is really willing to drop charges if the other guy would only apologize to his wife for his un-gentlemanly treatment of her. But, no, out of pride he refuses to say the magic words: "I'm sorry" or "I apologize."

Forgiveness would easily solve the problem which is costing all of them money and a lot of aggravation.

That's probably why God Himself had to come down literally to our level and show us that's not the way to do things. He must have realized that by giving man free will, he also gave man the potential to feel like he was a god,who believed he knew right and wrong, and should not stoop down whatsoever to his fellowman.

Humility...and asking for forgiveness are apparently the ways of God...but not the ways of men.

BUTTERFLIES IN MY GARDEN

The daisy seedlings I had planted weeks ago were ready to be placed in pots so I did that this morning. As I stood up from my work I noticed several butterflies flitting about the flower pots in front of my garage. It was a refreshing sight to behold because nowadays it's hard to see butterflies around the city.

So I had this thought. My contribution to improving the environment around Millbrae is to see to it that butterflies have a haven in my garden.

LESSONS FROM "UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN"

Watched "Under The Tuscan Sun" a TV movie starring Diane Lane. Picked up some lines worth thinking about:

"They built the railroad tracks that crossed the Alps even when there was still no train. They just knew it would be there one day."

(Federico Fellini said) "Never dwell on regrets..they are just the past getting in the way of today." (or something like that) This told me to let go of yesterday's incident with the Integrity video, which I had been "I should've-ing" yesterday.

These were just reminders to me to attack life with vigor and instead of just musing...get going on projects I listed in my Goals list: the songs I have not written yet ("Gusto Kitang Awitan ng Luman Love song" & "Gusto Kong Mag-Jollibee" which I envision James and his band to sing); the paper sculptures which will be my special niche in business; the painting of the Theotokos & the mural of the Creation for the Master's bedroom wall;the USA trip with my family...

I also got an idea from seeing all these artists' weblogs on the net that I'd start my own "A Drawing A Day" which will be my excuse for doing doodles & posting them on the net.

MY "AHA!" FOR THE DAY: A TAKE ON THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

Just think...by becoming a better person each day, I am making the world a little bit better too!

JUST SOME THOUGHTS

More and more I've come to realize that the world was given to us by God...not to be devastated and destroyed...but to be appreciated and enjoyed.

Even if I don't have a job...and all I do is pray for the good of my fellowman...then my life has a purpose